ALONSO TO RACE IN DAYTONA 24 HOURS
United Autosports has confirmed that Mclaren Formula 1 driver will contest the Daytona 24 Hours in January with the team.
There had been speculation that the two-time F1 champion would make his sportscar debut in the event with the team – which is co-owned by Mclaren boss Zak Brown – and it has now been confirmed he will partner Mclaren junior Lando Norris and another Briton, Phil Hanson, in a Ligier LMP2 car.
Contesting the race is part of a plan for Alonso to attempt to win the Triple Crown (Monaco Grand Prix, Indy 500 and Le Mans 24 Hours) and Brown said the Spaniard asked if he could compete at Daytona “two minutes” after renewing his Mclaren contract for next season.
“We were in Singapore, got our F1 deal done, and as soon as we mentally crossed the bridge of getting that sealed, it wasn’t two minutes later before he said, ‘I wanna do Daytona,’” said Brown.
“Fernando and I now have this relationship where we are two guys who always think about racing, 24/7.
“While a lot of people are out on Friday night, indulging in a variety of social activities, it seems Fernando and I are trading texts on race helmet designs, or sharing pictures of cool cars and races.”
Alonso added: “The Daytona 24 Hours is the most iconic US endurance race and one of the world’s great races. Everyone knows it. It’s not part of the Triple Crown [of Monaco GP, Indy 500 and Le Mans victories] but, as I have always said, my aim is to be a complete driver and this experience will help me to prepare for any other endurance race I might take part in.” Paul di Resta will also take part in the race with United Autosports in a second car.
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